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St. Lawrence Islands National Park adventures

St. Lawrence Islands National Park Adventures

St. Lawrence Islands National Park protects a series of islands along the St. Lawrence River, offering unique opportunities for boating, camping, and wildlife viewing in a freshwater archipelago setting.

5,680 acres
Acres Protected
20 miles
Miles of Trails
approximately 40,000
Annual Visitors
1895
Year Established

About St. Lawrence Islands National Park

 

St. Lawrence Islands National Park, located in Ontario, Canada, comprises over 20 islands and parts of the mainland on the St. Lawrence River. Spanning approximately 2,300 hectares, the park preserves a rare freshwater archipelago ecosystem that hosts a diverse range of plant and animal life, including many species native to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region. Established in 1895 as one of Canada's earliest national parks, it was originally known as Thousand Islands National Park, reflecting the region’s extensive island system. Visitors can explore rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and mixed hardwood forests while enjoying activities such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, and camping at various island sites. The park is particularly noted for its birdwatching opportunities, including sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, and migrating waterfowl. The island-based campsites allow a unique back-to-nature experience accessible primarily by boat, fostering a peaceful environment away from urban centers. Historical features include remnants of old settlements and cultural sites linked to Indigenous peoples and early European settlers. St. Lawrence Islands National Park attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers with its combination of aquatic recreation, wildlife habitat, and remote island landscapes, making it a distinctive destination on the St. Lawrence River corridor.

Highlights

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Boat-accessible island campsites offering secluded wilderness experiences

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Diverse freshwater archipelago ecosystem with rare plant and bird species

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Rich cultural history including Indigenous heritage sites and early settler remains

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Outstanding birdwatching opportunities, especially for bald eagles and migratory waterfowl

Notable Natural Features

Brown’s Bay Trail

A scenic hiking route on the mainland offering lakeshore views and mixed forest habitats.

Wolfe Island

A large island with popular camping sites accessible by private boat, featuring quiet beaches and rich biodiversity.

The Thousand Islands Archipelago

A vast network of over 20 islands and rocky outcroppings that form one of the most significant freshwater archipelagoes in North America.